Baseball-stitching machine



March 28, 1961 w, BAUDER, JR 2,976,827

BASEBALL-STITCHING MACHINE Filed April 21, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. W/A 1 //!M M. 5/71/05?) Jr.

March 28, 1961 w. M. BAUDER, JR

BASEBALL-STITCHING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 21, 1958 INVENTOR. W/Z 1/4/ 4 M 3400f March 28, 1961 w. M. BAUDER, JR 2,976,827

BASEBALL-STITCI-IING MACHINE Filed April 21, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. W/ZZ /4// M. 34001- 6 Jr.

M /A z March 28, 1961 w BAUDER, JR 2,976,827

BASEBALL-STITCHING MACHINE Filed April 21, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 w%az March 28, 1961 w. M. BAUDER, JR

BASEBALL-STITCHING MACHINE 7 Sheets- Sheet 5 Filed April 21, 1958 ..J J m M m5 m M M Z M H ram [r1 7 Sheets Sheet 6 Filed April 21, 1958 |m lllllllllllllillllllllm l m I I W\/ i A M 6 Q 0; M 6 w 1 w J 2 a I FV w m 0 m March 28, 1961 w BAUDER, JR 2,976,827

BASEBALL-STITCHING MACHINE Filed April 21, 1958 7 Sheets- Sheet 7 INVENTOR. l V/ZZ/A/V A1. B/WQLQ K United States Patent 6 2,97 6,827 BASEBALL-STITCHING MACHINE William M. Bauder, Jr., 507 Greenwood Ave., Riverside, NJ.

Filed Apr. 21, 1958, Ser. No. 729,577

12 Claims. (Cl. 112-42) The present invention has 'to do with a machine for stitching covers on baseballs and is concerned primarily with a machine that materially reduces to the point of almost substantially eliminating the manual operations now required in stitching the cover on a baseball.

At the present time, a baseball is more or less uniform and standardized and comprises the ball proper together with a twopart leather cover which must be stitched thereon. These cover parts have meeting edges of irregular formation; and it has been the standard practice to stitch these meeting edges together by two threads. How ever, the irregular shape of the meeting edges and the contour of the ball, coupled with the two-thread stitching, have heretofore rendered it impractical, if not impossible, to provide machinery for performing the stitching operation. At the present time, substantially all covers on the standardized baseballs are stitched by hand.

With the foregoing conditions in mind, the'present invention has in view as its foremost objective the provision of a machine for stitching covers on baseballs. In carrying out this objective, a machine is provided which includes a pair of complemental drills for drilling a pair of opposite holes at each stitch and a pair of needles, together with suitable mechanism for passing the needles with the threads attached thereto back and forth through the holes as they are formed.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a machine of the character aforesaid which includes a ball vise which receives a ball and preformed cover halves thereon, together with appropriate mechanism for releasing the vise as occasion demands, under which condition the ball is held under yielding pressure, or rigidly clamping the ball when holes are to be formed or needles passed through the holes.

Another important object of the invention is to provide, in a machine of the character aforesaid, appropriate mechanism for moving the drills into operative position as occasion demands. These drills, which areconstantly rotating, are moved down into engagement with the cover halves adjacent to the meeting edges at the right time and upwardly into an out-of-the-way position during other phases of the operation.

When holes are to be drilled in the cover, or when needles are to be passed through the holes, it is necessary that the meeting edges be raised or folded backwardly. Thus another object of the invention is to provide, in a baseball-stitching machine of the type indicated, a pair of complemental cover clamps or lifters each in turn including a pair of complemental clamping elements, together with appropriate mechanism for operating these clamps as occasion demands. Inasmuch as the ball must be moved an appropriate distance upon the formation of each stitch, the lower element of each clamp has an undersurface formed with ratchetlike teeth which engage the ball proper. These clamps are carried by a head, as will be later described; and, when moved rearwardly by the head, the teeth merely slide over the ball. However, on forward movement, the teeth engage the ball to move it.

As above explained, the cover clamps and the drills are carried by a head. The head is mounted in a framework; and an important object of the invention is to provide mechanism for mounting the head so that it may be imparted a compound movement corresponding to the contour of the ball and the shape of the seam being stitched.

It is, of course, necessary to provide appropriate guide means for causing the head to assume the required movement. Thus, another object of the invention is to provide, in a machine of the type indicated, a templet and associated mechanism and which templet cooperates with the mounting mechanism for the head in properly guiding the head. This templet has a peripheral flange which corresponds in shape to the peripheral edge of one half of the ball cover.

In performing the stitching operation, each needle is first passed through a preformed hole by a piercing carrier; whereupon it is engaged and picked up by a draw carrier which draws the thread taut. The needle is then transferred to a piercing carrier and the operation repeated. An important object of the invention is to provide, in a machine of the character noted, a pair of piercing carriers, a pair of draw carriers which are properly arranged and interrelated, together with associated transfer mechanism for the needles.

Upon the formation of each stitch, the threads are shortened by the length of the thread used in making the stitch. Thus, the stroke of each draw carrier is progressively shortened. Thus, another object of the invention is to provide mechanism for adjusting the position of the draw carriers to accommodate this shortening of the threads.

Various other more detailed objects and advantages of the invention, such as arise in connection with carrying out the above-noted ideas in a practical embodiment, will in part become apparent and in part be hereinafter stated as the description of the invention proceeds.

The invention therefore comprises a machine for stitching covers on baseballs and which machine consists essentially of a supporting framework, a ball vise, a movable head carrying cover clamps and cover drills, a mounting for permitting compound movement on the part of the head, a templet for guiding the head in its movement, a pair of piercing carriers and a pairof draw carriers for a pair of needles, together with transfer mechanism associated with the carriers, and mechanism for adjusting the stroke of the draw carriers.

For a full and more complete understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of a baseballstitching machine designed in accordance with the precepts of this invention. In this view certain of the parts are somewhat indistinct, necessitated by illustrating them on the small scale of this view;

Figure 2 is a view taken as a front elevation of the ball vise on an enlarged scale with parts broken away and shown in section and with an out-of-the-way position of a stop element depicted in broken lines;

Figure 3 is a detailed horizontal section taken about on the plane represented by the line 33 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a view taken on an enlarged scale of the head and mechanism carried thereby. This view is partially in section and partially in elevation and is taken about on the planes represented by the lines 44 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view depicting the drills and associated mechanism together with certain parts which control the operation thereof in exploded relation;

Fig. 6 is a detailed view, partly in section and partly in elevation, illustrating the key for controlling movement of the drills, and is taken about on the plane represented by the line 6-6 of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is an enlarged detailed perspective of the lower end of the head and the guide frame which is mounted ere Figure 8 is another perspective, somewhat similar to Figure 7 but taken on a smaller scale, showing the manner in which the cover clamps are mounted on the guide frame that is carried by the head;

Figure 9 is a detailed horizontal section taken about on the plane represented by the line 99 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a detail taken on an enlarged scale of the cover clamps and is partly in section and partly in elevation. This view is taken about on the plane represented by the line 1il-10 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a detailed perspective of the lower end of the cover clamps depicting the manner in which these clamps engage the ball and the cover halves;

Figure 12 is a detailed top plan view looking down on the ball at the place where the stitches are formed, with the cover clamps being shown in horizontal section;

Figure 13 is a detailed view, mostly in elevation, illustrating the actuator for the cover clamps.

Figure 14 is a detailed perspective of a portion of the mounting for the head;

Figure 15 is a top plan view taken on an enlarged scale, illustrating the templet, associated mechanism, and an automatically adjusting abutment member;

Figure 16 is a detailed section through the templet flange, and is taken about on the plane represented by the line 16-16 of Figure 15;

Figure 17 is an enlarged detailed view in front eleva tion of the templet and automatically adjusting abutment member;

Figure 18 is a detailed horizontal plan taken about on the plane represented by line 1818 of Figure 17 of the abutment member;

Figure 19 is a detailed plan view, somewhat diagrammatic, of the piercing carriers, draw carriers, and associated needle-transfer mechanism; 1

Figure 20 is a detailed vievt in front elevation of one of the draw carriers and associated mechanism for adjustment the position thereof;

g Figure 21 is an enlarged detailed perspective of one of the needle-transfer devices;

Figure '22 is an enlarged detailed perspective with parts broken away of one of the needle clamps;

Figure 23 is a transverse section through a needle clamp, beingtaken about on the plane represented by the line 23-23 of Figure 22;

Figure 24 is another detailed sectional view similar to Figure 23 and is taken about on the plane represented by the line 2424 of Figure 22; and

Figure 25 is a sectional view similar to Figure 24 depicting a needle after it has been grippingly engaged by the clamp.

General assembly The baseball-stitching machine of this invention is shown as mounted on a supporting framework which is referred to in its entirety by the reference character F. The framework F is shown as comprising four main legs 10, an upper table 11, a bottom horizontal support 12, and intermediate tables 13 and 14 which are supported from the supporting member 12 by auxiliary legs 15.

Mounted on the lower end of the head H is a guide frame G that is shown in detail in Figure 7. Carried by this guide frame G is drill guide D, to be later described in detail.

The head H is actuated in its reciprocative movement by an actuating member 16, which is shown in Figure 4. Carried by the head H above the table 11 is a stop 17 (Figures 4, l7, and 18); and cooperating with this stop is an automatically adjusting abutment member that is referred to in its entirety by the reference character A and which is carried by the head.

Referring now to Figure 15, a templet, which is referred to in its entirety by the reference character T, is suspended from an arm 18 of a togglelike supporting member I that is carried by the table 11. This templet T and associated mechanism, to be later described, guides the head as it is actuated by the member 16 in the manner to'be later described.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 19, the needle-actuating mechanism is therein illustrated and referred to in its entirety by the reference character N. This mechanism comprises a pair of piercing carriers, represented at P and P, and a pair of draw carriers, represented at C and C. Carried by each of the draw carriers C and C is transfer mechanism, referred to in its entirety by the reference character X. Each of the transfer mechanisms X includes a needle clamp, referred to in its entirety by the reference character Z; and another needle clamp and associated actuating mechanism is carried by each of the piercing carriers P and P.

With this outline of the general assembly, the various mechanisms will now be described in detail.

Ball vise Referring now more particularly to Figures 2 and 3, a hydraulic cylinder is represented at 19. This cylinder, like the other hydraulic cylinders to be hereinafter described, may be actuated by any appropriately hydraulic medium, such as air. Operatively mounted within the cylinder 19 is a piston 20. The upper free end of the piston 20 is reduced and threaded, and mounted thereon is, a nut 21. A-movable pedestal 22 has a central opening which receives the reduced extension of the piston 20; and this pedestal 22 is clamped to the piston by the nut 21. Upstanding from the pedestal 22 are a pair of rods 23 which are slidably received in tubular members 24 formed as a part of a cagelike structure that includes a bottom vise element 25. This vise element 25 has a concave surface conforming in curvature to the contour of a baseball, which is referred to as B. Formed in the member 25 are a pair of sockets 26 which open into the bores of the tubular members 24. Received in each of these sockets 26 is an expansion coil spring 27 which bears against the upper ends of the rods 23.

- A fixed pedestal 28 is shown as mounted on the cylinder 19. Upstanding from this pedestal 28 are a pair of guide rods 29 which carry at their upper ends an upper vise element 30. This vise element has an inner concave surface which also corresponds to the contour of the ball B. The cagelike structure above referred to which carries the vise element 25 of the tubular members 24 also includes a pair of tubular guides 31 which slidably receive the rods 29.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 3, a semicircular stop member 32, which is adapted to fit about the piston 20, is carried by an arm 33; and the arm 33 is in turn pivotally mounted on the lower end of one of the rods 29. This stop member 32 is adapted to assume either the full-line position of Figure 2 or the broken-line position depicted therein.

In accordance with the present invention, the ball B comprises an inner main-body part 34 (Figures 11 and 12) and two complemental halves 35. These cover halves 35 are of leather and are preformed. They are held'in position on the body 34 by a pair oftemporary-holding a rees? devices 36 and 37 which are made of spring metal and which are applied over the cover halves after the latter have been positioned on the ball body. It will be noted that these retaining devices 36 and 37 have confronting peripheral edges that are widely spaced apart. With the cover edges meeting along the seam represented at 38 in Figure 2, enough space is left on each side of the seam 38 for the formation of holes in the cover and the stitching operation.

When one of the balls B is to be removed from the vise, such as after a stitching operation has been completed, and a new ball B to be stitched is to be inserted therein, the stop 32 is swung into the broken-line position of Figure 2. This permits the movable pedestal 22 to be fully lowered to the extent necessary to permit of the removal of one ball and its replacement by another one. However, at the beginning of a stitching operation, the stop 32 is in the full-line position of Figure 2. During the stitching operation, the ball B is either securely and firmly held in position by operation of the hydraulic cylinder 19 or is yieldably held under the influence of the pressure supplied by the springs 27. Thus, the latter condition obtains when the ball is moved after the formation of each stitch.

The head The head, which is referred to in its entirety by the reference character H, comprises a main shaft 39. The upper end of the shaft 39 is reduced in diameter as shown at 40; and this reduced portion is received in an opening formed in one end of the actuating member 16. The other end of the actuating member 16 has an upturned flange 41 to which is connected the piston '42 of a hydraulic cylinder 43 that is mounted on the table 11. Thus the cylinder 43 may be operated to reciprocate the head forwardly and rearwardly. The table 11 is formed with an opening 44 considerably larger than the shaft 39. A sleeve 45 is loosely received in the opening 44 and in turn snugly receives the shaft 39 of the head H. Carried by the sleeve 45 is an annular ringlike flange 46. This flange 46 is received in an annular recess 47 that is defined by the table 11 and a supporting member 48 secured to the undersurface thereof. This supporting member 48 has an annular shoulder at 49 and an inwardly extending flange 50. Thus, the recess 47 is defined by the lower surface of the table 11, the annular shoulder 49, and the upper surface of the flange 50. As illustrated, there is sufficient room for the flange 46 to slide about in the recess 47, thus permitting a corresponding movement on the part of the shaft 39.

Adjacent to its lower end, the shaft 39 is formed with a pair of opposed flats 51. A two-part clamping ring made up of complemental halves is referred to in its entirely by the reference character R. The two halves of the ring R meet along the plane represented at 52 (see Figure 14) and this ring R has a central opening defined by flat faces 53, which are in sliding engagement with the flats 51, and curved end surfaces 54 which are spaced from the curved surface portions of the shaft 39. The ring R has a main body portion 55 that is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed 'arcuate slots 56. These slots 56 have a curvature corresponding to the radius of the ball B. Secured to the shaft 39 at the flats 51 and extending outwardly therefrom is a cross pin 57 the end portions of which are received in the arcuate slots '6. It is evident that the shaft 39 of the head may move backwardly and forwardly in the recess defined by the surfaces 53 and 54, but not laterally. Moreover, during the backward-and-forward movement, the arcuate slots 56 impart a vertical component to such movement.

Carried by the main body portion 55 of the ring R at its upper end is an outwardly extending flange 58. This flange 58 is clamped to the underface of the supporting member 48 by a retaining member 59. The member 59 is secured on the underside of the supporting member 48 by screw bolts 6% and is formed with a recess at 61 which receives the flange 58.

' Above the reduced portion -40 the shaft 39 is further reduced in diameter as indicated at 62. This reduced portion 62 is received in an opening formed in an ear 63 which is a part of the abutment A. The abutment A is a three-part affair comprising a lower main body member 64 which carries the ear 63 (Figures 17 and 18) and two upper side members 65 and 66. The front edge of the member 64 is formed with a semicircular recess 67 having a radius somewhat larger than the cylindrical stop 17. The members 65 and 66 are pivotally mounted on the upper face of the member 64 by the pivot pins shown at 68. The inner meeting edges of the members 65 and 66 are beveled as shown at 69; and these beveled surfaces are adapted to engage the stop 17. At the outer end of each of the arms 65 and 66 there is a forwardly extending portion 70 formed with an edge surface at 71 that is beveled at an angle of 45. A pair of stop members 72 each having a beveled surface 73 is mounted on the table 11; and these surfaces 73 are adapted to be engaged by the surfaces 71.

It is evident that, as the head H is moved forwardly by the actuator 16, the abutment A will engage the stops 17 and 72 to provide a positive stop for forward movement of the head. However, this positive stop will accommodate any position into which the head may be moved, as by the templet to be later described.

Referring again for the moment more particularly to Figures 4 and 14, it will be noted that the two halves of the ring R are held in assembled relation by pins 74.

The guide frame G,'which is illustrated in Figure 7, is secured to the lower end of the shaft 39 of the head H. This guide frame G comprises a reticulated plate 75 which carries on its forward face a pair of arcuate guide members 76 and 77 which may be integrally formed as one unit. Upon referring to Figures 4 and 7, it will be noted that the guide frame G is located rearwardly with respect to the shaft 39. Extending forwardly from the shaft 39 is an elbow member 78 which carries the drill guide D, to be later described.

The templet Referring now more particularly to Figures 1, 15, and 16, a standard 79 is shown as being carried by the table 11. Pivotally mounted on the upper end of this standard 79 is an arm 80, the pivotal connection being represented at 81 in Figure 15, Pivotally connected to the outer free end of this arm 80, as indicated at 82, is the arm 18. Thus the arms 18 and together constitute a toggle like support for the templet T which is suspended from the outer free end of the arm 18 by a pin 83, which provides a pivotal connection. The templet T comprises a main body member 84 of the shape shown in Figure 15. This shape corresponds to that of one of the cover halves 35. Depending from the lower face of the templet body member '84 is a skirtlike flange 85 which has a contour which corresponds to the seam 38 of the ball cover if the latter is laid out flat. The lower edge of the flange 85 is formed with ratchet teeth 86. Referring for the moment more particularly to Figure 4, it will be noted that a leaf spring 87 carries at its free end a tooth 88' which engages one of the ratchet teeth 86. This spring 87 has an offset portion 89 that is secured to a supporting member 90, which is in turn mounted on the shaft 39 of the head H above the reduced portion 62. Thus, as the head H is moved forwardly, the spring 87 is imparted a corresponding movement; and, with the tooth 88 in engagement with one of the ratchet teeth 86, the templet is imparted a corresponding movement. However, when the head H is moved rearwardly, the tooth 8-8 simply rides out of the particular ratchet tooth 86 in which it was engaged so that no rearward movement is imparted to the templet.

Referring now more particularly ot Figures 4 and 16, it will be noted that the outer peripheral edge of the templet body portion 84 is formed with a recess 91 which is continued about the entire periphery of the templet. This recess 91 is partially closed by a cover plate 92 that is secured to the main body portion 84 as by the screws shown at 93 in Figure '15. This cover plate 92 has an annular peripheral recess 94 somewhat narrower than the recess 91. A piston 95 (Figure 4) has a head 96 that is received in the recess 91 and which head is larger than the recess 94 that accommodates the piston 95. This piston 95 is operatively associated with a hydraulic cylinder 97 which is carried at one end of an arm 98, with the latter having a downturned end at 99 which is secured to the table 11 as indicated at 100. Surrounding the piston 95 and interposed between the cover plate 92 and cylinder 97 is a sleeve 101. When the cylinder 97 is operated to retract the piston 95, the head 96 clamps the upper face of the templet. against the sleeve 101 to securely clamp the templet immovably in position. This action takes place when the actuator 16 is moved rearwardly to move the head H rearwardly. While the head H is permitted to move rearwardly, the templet is not; and by clamping the templet against the sleeve 101, definite assurance is had that it will not so move.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 1, the upper end of the head H is shown as carrying a pair of rollers 102 and 103. These rollers 102 and 103 are positioned on the inner and outer sides of the templet flange 85-, respectively, with the flange 85 being snugly received by the rollers. Thus, with the templet being held against movement and the head H moved rearwardly, this rearward movement is guided by the rollers 102 and 103; and the head H may be deflected laterally depending on the curvature of the templet flange 85 due to the manner in which it is mounted on the table 11.

The drills and cover clamps Upon referring to Figures 4 and 7, it will be noted that the flanges 76 and 77, which are shown on the front side of the spider 75 in Figure 7, are continued out beyond the rear side as shown at 104 in Figure 4. A pair of box-like supporting members b and b (Figure are slidably mounted on the flanges 76, 77, and 104. Thus, the box-like member b is mounted on the flanges '77 and 104; while the box-like member b is. mounted on the guide flange 76 and the flange extending to the rear of the spider 75 corresponding to the flange 104. These box-like members b and b are substantial duplicates; hence, only one of them is herein described in detail as that is believed to be suflicient for the purposes of this specification. The box-like member b comrises a bottom wall 105 which is curved to conform to the bottom faces of the flanges 77, 104, and spider 75 over which it slides. Extending upwardly from the rear edge of the Wall 105 is a rear wall 106 which terminates at the top in an inturned flange 107 that rides over the upper face of the flange 104. Extending upwardly from the front edge of the bottom wall 105 is a front wall 108; and extending inwardly from the top edge of the front wall 108 is a top wall 109 which rides over the top face of the flange '77. This top wall 109 terminates at the front face of the spider 75; and extending upwardly therefrom is an upright 110 which Slidably engages thet front face of the spider 75.

Upon referring to Figures 5 and 8, it will be noted that the front walls 108 of both of the memebrs b and b are extended outwardly beyond the bottom wall 105 to provide a wing extension at 111, which is continued upwardly to provide a carrying ear at 1.12 for a purpose to be later described.

The two front walls 108 carry ears 114 each of which is formed with a recess 115. The recesses 115 open onto each other and are in confronting relation, for a purpose to be later specified.

,Fixedly secured tothe box-like members 12 and b at their meeting edges are a pair of fixed cover clamps 116 and 117 having feet 118 and 119 formed with ratchet teeth 120 that are adapted to engage the body 34 of the ball B beneath the covers. A second pair of reciprocal cover clamps 121 and 122 are slidably mounted in the box-like members b and b on the outside of the fixed cover clamps 116 and 117. These movable cover clamps 121 and 122 have feet 123 and 124 which engage the outer face of the cover 35 as shown in Figures 10 and ll. Under certain conditions, this cover 35 is clamped between the feet 118 and 123 on the one side, and the feet 119 and 124 on the other side.

7 Upon referring to Figure 8, it will be seen that the movable cover clamps 121 and 122 extend above the top walls 109 of the box-like members b and b. An arm 125 has one end pivotally connected to the upright 110, as shown at 126, and its other end pivotally connected to the upper free end of the cover clamp 122 as shown at 127. A hydraulic cylinder 128 is carried by the upright 110; and the piston of this cylinder carries a link 129 which is pivotally connected to the arm 125. Thus, the cylinder 128 may be operated to raise or lower the cover clamp 122. This mechanism comprising the arm 125, its pivotal mountings and connections, and the link 129 and piston 128 is duplicated for the cover clamp 121 that is mounted on the box-like member b.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 4, a. pair of brackets 130 are shown as mounted on the rear side of the spider 75. Each of these brackets 130 includes a supporting member 131 that is spaced from the rear face of the spider 75. It will be understood that there is one of these brackets for each of the box-like members b and b' because these brackets carry the mechanism for actuating the members b and b to cause their sliding movement over the guide flanges on which they are mounted.

Figure 13 shows one of the members 131 as carrying a hydraulic cylinder 132. Operatively received in this cylinder 132 is a piston from which extends a rod 133. The free end of this rod 133 carries a roller 134 which is pivotally mounted thereon and which is received in a slot 135 formed in a plate 136 that is pivotally mounted as indicated at 137 on the supporting member 131. Also formed in the plate 136 is another slot 138 which receives a roller 139 that is mounted on a shaft 140 that extends outwardly from the rear wall 106 of the box member b.

It is evident that, as the rod 133 is retracted into the cylinder 132 by operation of the latter, the roller 134 will ride along the slot 135 and thus impart to the plate 136 a clockwise movement (speaking with reference to the showing of Figure 13). As the plate 136 is so actuated, the roller 139 is forced radially inwardly in the slot 138 toward the pivot 137. As the roller 139 is carried by the shaft 140 and the latter is in turn fixedly secured to the box-like member b, the latter is caused to slide outwardly and downwardly over the flanges 77 and 104.

A pair of cover drills are shown at 141 and 141. The drill 141 is mounted on the front wall 108 of the box member b, and particularly on the outer part .111 and its extension 112. Likewise, the drill 141 is mounted on the outer part 111 and extension 112 of the front wall 108 of the box member b. These cover drills are substantial duplicates, and only one of them is herein described in detail as that is believed to be suflicient for the purposes of this specification.

Each of the drills 141 and 141 comprises an outer cylindrical member 142 that is fixedly secured to the front wall of the respective box b or b, as the case may be. This cylindrical member 142 is formed with a slot 143. Slidably received in the cylindrical member 142 is an inner body 144 having a pin 145 which projects through the slot 143. This inner body 144 carries a bit 146 which is adapted to assume the retracted position 9 shown in Figure or be extended in a manner now to be described. This bit 146 is driven by a flexible cable 147.

A toggle is shown as comprising two links 148 and 149 which are pivotally connected by a pin 150 which projects forwardly of the toggles. The link 148 has its other end pivotally connected to the pin 145; while the link 149 has its other end pivotally connected to a fixed pivot at 151.

The drill guide D has a pair of outwardly extending arcuately shaped arms 152 and 153 which are substantial duplicates. Each of these arms is formed with an arcuate slot 154 which receives one of the pins 150. Each of the slots 154 is provided with a notch 155 into which the pin 150 is adapted to ride as the respective box member b or b is swung outwardly. When thepin 150 is received in the notch 155, its outward movement is arrested; and this pivot pin becomes fixed. Further swinging movement of the box b will then cause an extension of the toggle whereby the arm 148, due to its pivotal connection at 145 on the body 144, moves the latter downwardly to extend the drill.

The arms 152 and 153 of the drill guide D are carried by a central hublike member 156 which is slidably mounted on a rod 157 which depends from the member 78. An expansion coil spring 158 is interposed between the members 78 and 156 and normally tends to urge the drill guide D downwardly.

Mounted on the rear or inner face of the drill guide D is a key 159 which is received in the recesses 115 of the brackets 114. It is evident that, when either side of the key 159 is received in one of the recesses 115, the drill guide D is held in its upraised position. Thus either box member b or b may be swung outwardly without entailing any downward movement on the part of the drill guide D. However, when both of these box members b and b have been swung outwardly, the key 159 is freed from both of the brackets 114; and the drill guide D is moved downwardly under the influence of gravity action and the force of the spring 158. In its downward position, it functions to cause an extension of the drill bits 146 when the box members b and b' are swung outwardly sufliciently far to cause the toggle pins 150 to be received in the notches 155 and the arms 148 rendered effective on the drill bodies 144 to extend the latter.

When the boxes b and b are returned to their upward relatively closed position, the pins 150 riding in the slots 154 will'again move the drill guide D to its upraised position in which the key 159 is received in the recesses 115.

' The needles, their carriers, and transf r mechanisms Mounted on the upper face of the tables 13 and 14 are a pair of forwardly disposed guides 160 and 161. Mounted at the outer end of the guide 160 is a hydraulic cylinder 162 from the piston of which extends a rod 163 the inner end of which carries the piercing carrier P. In a similar manner, a hydraulic cylinder 164 is mounted at the outer end of the guide 161; and from this cylinder 164 extends a piston rod 165 on which is mounted the piercing carrier P. Rearwardly of the guide 160 there is another guide 166 which is somewhat longer than the guide 160, as will be noted from Figure 19; and movably mounted at the outer end of this guide is a hydraulic cylinder 167 from which extends a piston rod 168 on the free end of which is mounted the draw carrier C. Another guide 169 is mounted rearwardly of the guide 161; and movably mounted thereon is a hydraulic cylinder 170 from which extends a piston rod 171 on the free end of which is mounted the draw carrier C.

. Figure 19 illustrates a condition of the parts which never actually exists during the operation of the machine, but which is intended for illustrative purposes. At this point, it may be briefly noted that a needle, such as shown at 172, with a length of thread carried thereby,

such as shown at 173 in Figure 12, is originally positioned in each of the piercing carriers P and P. These needles first are passed through holes that are drilled in the cover halves; whereupon they are transferred to the draw carriers C and C. These draw carriers draw the threads taut. Hence, at the beginning of the stitching of a cover on a baseball, these threads have their maximum length. However, as the stitching operation progresses and stitches are formed, the threads are progressively shortened. Hence, the cylinders 167 and which operate the draw carriers must be moved inwardly to accommodate this shortening of the threads. The mechanism for accomplishing this is shown in Figures 1 and 20, with Figure 20 illustrating the mechanism in detail.

Inasmuch as the adjusting mechanism for the cylinders of the draw carriers is the same for both, only one of them is herein described in detail.

Upon referring to Figure 20, it will be seen that the cylinder 167 carries on its underside a rack 174. Meshing with the teeth of the rack 174 is a worm 175 that is drivably mounted on a shaft 176 that is in turn mounted in a supporting bracket 177.. Drivably mounted on one end of the shaft is a pinion 178 that meshes with a gear 179. This gear 179 is mounted on the drive shaft 180 of a motor 181. This motor 181 may be operated to quickly return the cylinder 167 to its outermost position after the completion of one ball and to put the mechanism in condition for starting on a new ball. A ratchet arm 182 has a tooth which engages the gear 179. This ratchet arm 182 is carried by the piston of a hydraulic cylinder 183. Upon the completion of each stitch, the hydraulic cylinder 183 is operated to cause the ratchet arm 182to move the gear 179 an appropriate distance. This movement is transmitted through the pinion 178, worm 175, and rack 174 to the cylinder 167 to move the latter inwardly a distance corresponding to the length of the thread consumed in one stitch.

Each of the draw carriers C and C includes needle mechanism, which is referred to generally at X. The transfer mechanism for each of the two draw carriers is substantially alike and is shown in detail in Figure 21. Figure 21 shows the guide 169 in the form of spaced rails each in the form of an angle bar. Slidably mounted on the confronting flanges of these rails is a block 184 that is connected to the piston rod 171. Pivotally mounted on the block 184 is a turret 185 from which extends radially outwardly a needle clamp which is referred to in its entirety by the reference character Z. This clamp will later be described in detail. Extending outwardly from one side of the block 184, to which it is connected, is a supporting bracket 186 which carries a hydraulic cylinder 187. From the piston of this hydraulic cylinder 187 extends a rod 188 the free end of which carries an-elbow member 189 the arm of which is formed with a slot 190. Received in the slot 190 is a pin 191 that is carried by an arm 192 that is connected to the turret 185. Thus it is evident that the hydraulic cylinder 187 may be operated to cause rotation of the turret 185, which in turn is accompanied by swinging movement of the needle clamp Z. This needle clamp Z is adapted to assume either one of two positions. In one position, which is shown at the left side of Figure 19, it is in alignment with the track. In the other position, which is depicted at the right-hand side of Figure 19 and Figure 21, it is swung outwardly into the position it assumes when the needle is transferred to the needle clamp of the piercing carrier.

Each of the piercing carriers P and P' includes a needle-transfer mechanism X. The mechanisms X are alike and each includes a needle clamp Z, generally sim- 75 ilar to the clamp Z to be later described, and a hydraulic a rees? cylinder 193 for actuating a piston rod 194 which imparts swinging movement to the needle clamp Z, which is pivotally mounted as indicated at 195.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, it will be noted that each needle clamp Z includes an outer cylindrical sleeve 196 that is fixedly mounted as on the turret 185 and which is formed on one side with the slot 197 through which a needle is adaptedto be passed with a lateral or 'sidewise motion. Within the sleeve 1% and rotatably mounted therein is an inner clamp body 198 the inner end of which carries a stub shaft 199. Drivably connected to this stub shaft 199 is one end of an arm Pivotally connected to the outer free end of this arm 200 as indicated at 201 is the lower end of a rod 202 that is connected tothe piston of a hydraulic cylinder 203. It is evident that this cylinder 203 may be operated to cause rotation of the inner clamp body 198 within the sleeve 196.

At its outer end the inner body 198 is formed with a series of transverse slots 204 having the angular extent depicted in Figures 24 and 25. Extending across each of these slots 204 is a pin 205 the opposite ends of which are anchored to the outer sleeve 196. Between each of the slots 2% the inner body 198 is formed with an anguilarly shaped riblike segment 206 that is formed with a notch 207. When the lower edges of the ribs 206 are positioned to coincide with the upper edge of the slot 197 which is formed on the outer sleeve 196, it is evident that a needle 172 may be inserted laterally or with a sidewise motion through the slot 197 and over the pins 205 which, it will be noted, are mounted at the lower edge of the slot 197 beneath the lower edges of the ribs 206. After this action has taken place, the inner body 198 is rotated by actuation of the hydraulic cylinder 203 to cause the ribs 206 to clamp the needle 172 in the apex of the notch 207 as indicated in Figure 25. When so clamped, the needle is accurately positioned.

It will be noted that the various mechanisms of the above-described stitching machine are operated by hydraulic cylinders. Moreover, the operations must take place in timed relation with respect to other operations. To accomplish this, control mechanism of a well-known type may be employed. Generally speaking, such control mechanism comprises a series of solenoids actuated by cams and microswitches that are mounted on a master cylinder. Inasmuch as control mechanism of this type is generally well known, it is deemed unnecessary to unduly extend the disclosure of this application by illustrating and describing such well-known-control mechanism.

Operation While the operation of the stitching machine of this invention is believed to be ascertainable from the illustration of the drawings, description of parts given, and the manner in which each, subcombination functions as above described, it may be generally outlined as follows:

It will be assumed that there is an adequate supply of ball bodies 34 and preformed cover halves 35. One set of these cover halves 35 is first temporarily assembled on a ball body 34 by the retaining devices 36 and 37. The ball in this condition is then placed in the vise V and the stop 32 moved into the full-line position of Figure 2. A pair of needles 172, with each carrying an appropriate length of a thread 173, is placed in the clamp Z of the piercing carriers P and P.

At the start of a cycle, the head H is retracted to its rearmost position.- The needles 172 are both in the clamps Z of the piercing carriers P and P. Both the draw carriers C and C are in the limits of their extended position into which they have been moved by the motor 181. The ends of the threads 173 are anchored in the ball by a piercing operation performed by the operator. The ball B with the preformed cover halves held thereon is in the vise; and tooth 88 of the ratchet spring 37 is 12 in engagement with one of the teeth 86 of the templet. As the operation begins, the hydraulic cylinder 19 of the ball vise B is operated to hold the ball immovable.

- The cover clamps 116, 117, 121, and 122 are now swung outwardly by operation of the cylinders 132, which impart outward swinging movement to the box members 11 and b; and, as the cover clamps are so swung, the edges of the cover are lifted on the opposite sides of the seam 38. As outward movement by the box members 12 and b is continued, the bits 146 of the drills are extended into positions in which they engage the cover. As these drills are constantly rotating, a pair of holes are drilled in the two cover halves, one in each half. The cover clamps are now returned to their meeting or upright position by operation of the cylinders 132. At this point, the ball vise V releases; but the ball B is under the yielding pressure provided by springs 26. The cylinder 97 is now actuated to release the templet T from its previous clamped position. The head H is now moved forwardly by operation of the cylinder 43 until the abutment A engages the positive stop comprising the parts 17 and 72. At this point, the air cylinder 97 is operated to clamp the templet and lock it against movement. The ball vise V now operates to positively clamp the ball. One cover clamp, say for instance the clamp made up of the elements 117 and 122, now swings to raise the edge of one cover half. The piercing carrier P on the opposite half forces one of the needles 172 through a hole which has been previously drilled. The draw carrier C now receives the pointed end of the needle; and the cylinder 203 of the needle clamp Z on the draw carrier C is open ated to clampingly engage the needle; while the needle clamp Z on the piercing carrier releases the eye end of the needle.

It will be understood that one needle performs its piercing operation a split second in advance of the other needle. However, for the purposes of this description, it may be stated that the two piercing operations for both needles are performed at substantially the same time.

After the needles have been clamped in the clamp Z of the draw carriers C and C, the latter are retracted to their outermost limits of movement to draw the threads taut. The head is now retracted by operation of the cylinder 43, holes for the next stitch are drilled in the manner above described, and the needles 172 are transferred to the clamps Z of the piercing carriers P and P. This completes a cycle, and everything is in condition for the making of the next stitch.

While a preferred specific embodiment of the invention is hereinbefore set forth, it is, to be clearly understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact consructions, mechanisms, and devices illustrated and described, because various modifications of these details may be provided in putting the invention into practice within the purview of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a baseball-stitching machine including a supporting framework providing a table and a head movably mounted in said table, a guide frame carried by said head including a pair of arcuate guide flanges, a box supporting member movably mounted on each of said guide flanges, a cover clamp carried by each of said box supporting members, power means on each of said box supporting members for actuating the cover clamp carried thereby, and power means carried by the head for moving said box supporting members relative thereto.

, 2. In a baseball-stitching machine including a supporting framework providing a table and a head movably mounted in said table, a guide frame carried by said head including a pair of arcuate guide flanges, a box supporting member movably mounted on each of said guide flanges, a cover drill mounted for reciprocation on each of said box supporting members, a positioning member movably mounted on said head, means on .said .box supporting members controlling movement of said position- 13 ing member, and toggle mechanism carried by each of said box supporting members and cooperating with the drill carried thereby and said positioning member to cause movement of the drill carried thereby into and out of operative engagement with the cover of a ball to be stitched.

3. In a baseball-stitching machine, a supporting framework providing a table, a head mounted in said table for free lateral movement relative thereto and arcuate movement in one direction, hydraulic means carried by said framework for reciprocating said head in the direction of said arcuate movement, a templet mounted on said table in spaced relation thereover for free movement in a plane parallel thereto, said templet having a guide flange corresponding in shape to the seam of a baseball to be stitched, ratchet teeth on the underside of said templet, a ratchet spring carried by said head and having a tooth adapted to engage any of said ratchet teeth whereby said head causes movement of said templet upon movement of said head in one direction only, and hydraulically actuated clamping-means carried by said table and operable to hold said templet against movement while said head moves in the opposite direction.

4. In a baseball-stitching machine, a needle carrier comprising a reciprocating body, a needle clamp pivotally mounted on said body, and hydraulic means carried by said body for imparting swinging movement to said needle clamp, said needle clamp including an outer sleeve, an inner body rotatably mounted in said sleeve, cooperating clamping elements carried by said sleeve inner body respectively adapted to grippingly engage a needle, and hydraulic means for causing relative rotative movement between said sleeve and body whereby a needle is either rigidly clamped between said clamping elements or released therefrom.

5. In a baseball-stitching machine, a supporting framework including spaced table elements providing an opening therebetween, a pair of forwardly disposed guides on said table elements at opposite sides of said opening, a pair of piercing carriers mounted for reciprocating movement on said guides, a pair of rearwardly disposed guides on said table elements at opposite sides of said opening, a pair of draw carriers mounted for reciprocating movement on said rearwardly disposed guides, a needle clamp included in each of said carriers adapted to grippingly engage a needle carrying a length of thread, a pair of hydraulic cylinders fixedly mounted on said table elements for actuating said piercing carriers, a second pair of hydraulic cylinders movably mounted on said table elements for actuating said draw carriers, and means for automatically adjusting the position of said last-mentioned hydraulic cylinders upon the completion of each stitch to accommodate the shortening of the threads caused by the completion of a stitch.

6. In a baseball-stitching machine, a supporting framework including spaced table elements providing an opening therebetween, a ball vice mounted on said framework below said table elements and in said opening and including complemental vice elements together with power means for urging said elements together to firmly engage a ball, and spring means yieldably urging said vice elements toward each other, a first pair of guides on said table elements adjacent to said opening, a pair of piercing needle carriers slidably mounted on said first pair of guides and operatively positioned adjacent said ball vice whereby in one position the needles carried by said carriers are adapted to engage the cover of a ball held by said vice, a second pair of guides on said table elements adjacent to said opening, a pair of draw needle carriers slidably mounted on said second pair of guides and positioned to operatively engage and receive needles from said piercing carriers, and needle-transfer mechanism included in said carriers.

7. In a baseball-stitching machine, a supporting framework including an upper table and spaced intermediate 14 table elements providing an opening therebetween, a ball vice mounted on said framework below said intermediate table elements and in said opening, a head movably mounted in said upper table over said opening and in operative relation with respect to a ball held in said vice, a mounting for said head providing free lateral movement in a horizontal plane and arcuate movement, a pair of cover clamps carried by said head and adapted to grippingly engage the cover of a ball in said vice, means for moving said head, a pair of piercing needle carriers slidably mounted on said intermediate table elements adjacent to said opening and operatively positioned adjacent said ball vice whereby inone position needles carried by said carriers are adapted to engage the cover of a ball held by said vice, a pair of draw needle carriers slidably mounted on said intermediate table elements adjacent to said opening and positioned to operatively engage and receive needles from said piercing needleoarriers, and needle-transfer mechanism operatively associated with said carriers.

8. In a baseball-stitching machine, a supporting framework including an upper table and spaced intermediate table elements providing an opening therebetween, a ball vise mounted on said framework below said intermediate table elements and in said opening, a head movably mounted in said upper table over said opening and in operative relation with respect to a ball held in said vise, a mounting for said head providing free lateral movement in a horizontal plane and arcuate movement, a pair of cover clamps carried by said head and adapted to grippingly engage the cover of a ball in said vise, a pair of cover drills carried by said head to operatively engage the cover of a ball held in said vise, means on said head for moving said drills into and out of engagement with the cover of a ball held in said vise, means for moving said head, a pair of piercing needle carriers slidably mounted on said intermediate table elements adjacent to said opening and operatively positioned adjacent said ball vise whereby in one position needles carried by said carriers are adapted to engage the cover of a ball held by said vise, a pair of draw needle carriers slidably mounted on said intermediate table elements adjacent to said opening and positioned to operatively engage and receive needles from said piercing needle carriers, and needle-transfer mechanism operatively associated with said carriers.

9. In a baseball-stitching machine, a supporting framework including an upper table and spaced intermediate table elements providing an opening therebetween, a ball vise mounted on said framework below said intermediate table elements and in said opening, a head movably mounted in said upper table over said opening and in operative relation with respect to a ball held in said vise, a mounting for said head providing free lateral movement in a horizontal plane and arcuate movement, a pair of cover clamps carried by said head each including a fixed clamping element and a movable clamping element and adapted to grippingly engage the cover of a ball in said vise, power means on said head for actuating the movable clam-ping elements, means for moving said head, a pair of piercing needle carriers slidably mounted on said intermediate table elements adjacent to said opening and operatively positioned adjacent said ball vise whereby in one position needles carried by said carriers are adapted to engage the cover of a ball held by said vise, a pair of draw needle carriers slidably mounted on said intermediate table elements adjacent to said opening and positioned to operatively engage and receive needles from said piercing needle carriers, and needle-transfer mechanism operatively associated with said carriers.

10. In a baseball-stitching machine, a supporting framework including an upper table and spaced intermediate table elements providing an opening therebetween, a ball vise mounted on said framework below said intermediate table elements in said opening and adapted to receive a ball together with a cover to be stitched, a head over said opening and in operative relation with respect to a ball held in said vise, a mounting in said upper table for said head providing free lateral movement on the,

part of the head and arcuate movement thereof, a pair of arcuate guides on said head, a box supporting member movably mounted on each of said guides, a cover clampon each of said box supporting mem ers and adapted to grippingly engage the cover of a ball in said vise, a cover drill carried by each of said box supporting membersto operatively engage the cover of a ball held in said vise, power means for moving said box supporting members on said guides, power means for reciprocating said head, a templet on said upper table for guiding said head during movement thereof, a pair of piercing needle carriers slidably mounted on said intermediate table elements adjacent to said opening and operatively positioned adjacent said ball vise whereby in one position needles carried by said carriers are adapted to engage the cover of a ball held by said vise, a pair of draw needle carriers slidably mounted on said intermediate table elements adjacent to said opening and positioned to operatively engage and receive needles from said piercing needle carriers, and needle-transfer mechanism operatively ,associated with said carriers.

11. In a baseball-stitching machine, a supporting frame- Work including an upper table and spaced intermediate table elements providing an opening therebetweema ball vise mounted on said framework below said intermediate table elements in said opening and adapted to receive a ball together with a cover to be stitched, a head over said opening and in operative relation with respect to a ball held in said vise, a mounting in said upper table for said head providing free lateral movement on the part of the head and arcuate movement thereof, a pair of arcuate guides on said head, a box supporting member movab-ly mounted on each of said guides, a cover clamp on each of said box supporting members and adapted to grippingly engage the cover of a ball in said vise, a cover drill carried by each of said box supporting members to operatively engage the cover of a ball held in said vise, power means for moving said box supporting members on said guides, power means for reciprocating said head, a templet mounted on said upper table for free movement in a horizontal plane and includinga guide flange corresponding in shape to the seam of a baseball to be stitched; means carried by said head for moving said templet with the head in one direction of movement, templet-clamping means carried by said framework for holding said templet against movement while the head moves in the opposite direction, a pair of piercing needle carriers slidably mounted on said intermediate table ele ments adjacent to said opening and operatively positioned adjacent said ball vise whereby in one position needles carried by said carriers are adapted to engage the cover of a ball held by said vise, a pair of draw needle carriers slidably mounted on said intermediate table elements ad jacent to said opening and positioned to operatively engage and receive needles from said piercing needle carriers, and needle-transfer mechanism operatively associated with said carriers.

12. In a baseball-stitching machine including a supporting framework having spaced table elements providing an opening therebetween, a pair of forwardly disposed guides carried by said table elements on opposite sides of said opening, a piercing needle carrier slidably mounted on each of said guides and operatively positioned adjacent said ball vise whereby in one position needles carried by said carriers are adapted to engage the cover of a ball held by said vise, a pair of rear- Wardly disposed guides carried by said table elements on opposite sides of said opening, a draw needle carrier slidably mounted on each of said rearwardly disposed guides and positioned to operatively engage and receive needles from said piercing carriers, hydraulic means for recipro' eating said carriers on their respective guides, a needle clamp pivotally mounted on each of said carriers, and hydraulic means on each of said carriers for moving the needle clamp carried thereby into and out of alignment with the direction of movement of that carrier.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 954,443 Larsen Apr. 12, 1910 1,060,477 Meyers Apr. 29, 1913 1,167,265 Brusseau Jan. 4, 1916 2,568,905 Wilhsner Sept. 25, 1951 2,661,662 Hall Dec. 8, 1953 2,747,529 Haas May 29, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 211,052 Great Britain Feb. 14, 1924 

